Rio Tinto mine developments expected to support more than 1000 construction jobs in Western Australia


06 April 2017

Development projects underway at Rio Tinto’s new Silvergrass mine and its West Angelas and Yandicoogina mines are expected to support more than 1000 construction jobs in Western Australia.

Construction of Rio Tinto’s sixteenth iron ore mine in the Pilbara, Silvergrass, has been ramping up since the beginning of the year and is forecast to provide about 500 jobs during construction.

Development of a new deposit at West Angelas mine is now nearing completion, with an estimated peak workforce of 120 people.

Mine development projects to sustain production at Yandicoogina mine are forecast to involve a further 470 jobs during construction.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Chris Salisbury said "Rio Tinto continues to invest in its Pilbara iron ore business, which is helping to sustain local businesses and jobs.

"To date, we have awarded more than $180 million in construction contracts to develop our Silvergrass mine. This includes a $40 million contract to Western Australian company Decmil and $120 million contract to Perth headquartered company RCR Resources," Mr Salisbury said.

"Decmil was awarded a contract to design, construct and commission buildings, services and support facilities at the existing Nammuldi central mine and at the new Silvergrass mine.

"Other Western Australian suppliers are benefiting from Decmil’s local purchasing of major items such as structural steel, modular buildings, gantry cranes and waste water treatment plant.

"RCR Resources has engaged more than 40 Western Australian suppliers and contractors to support the fabrication of a new primary crushing plant, and construction of nine kilometres of overland conveyors and associated power distribution."

Mr Salisbury said Rio Tinto remained committed to partnering with Pilbara Traditional Owners.

"This is demonstrated by the awarding of a $3 million contract to a local indigenous contractor, Eastern Guruma, to complete earthworks, light vehicle road construction, overland conveyor overpass construction, and associated drainage for the Silvergrass mine," he said.